Welcome!
Myriam Wilkes, MSEd — Autism Expert, Behavior Specialist, and Founder of Squish4Joy
Empowering individuals. Supporting families. Transforming outcomes.
I’m an Autism Expert with a Master of Science in Education in Special Education and a graduate degree in autism, behavior, and transition. I specialize in designing customized, evidence-based interventions that deliver real progress for autistic children, teens, and adults, as well as individuals with behavioral challenges who benefit from structured behavior support.
What makes my approach different is more than my qualifications. It’s my experience as a mother of two autistic children. I understand what it takes to calmly support a child through a meltdown, to anticipate sensory needs before they overwhelm, and to help a child regulate big emotions. This lived experience makes me uniquely empathetic, deeply practical, and fully committed to helping families succeed not just in sessions, but in daily life.
I work with individuals ages 18 months to 25 years in homes, schools, and community settings. My interventions are tailored to build foundational and functional skills including communication, emotional regulation, social interaction, sensory integration, and daily living. But the heart of my work is always the same: promoting self-determination and long-term independence.
With certifications in over 40 evidence-based practices, I meet every client where they are and help them get where they want to be. I also make it simple for parents and caregivers to implement these strategies at home so change becomes sustainable, not stressful.
Whether you are a parent looking for support or a professional seeking collaboration, I am here to help you create meaningful, lasting growth. I would be honored to be part of your journey.
Schedule your free consultation today and let’s create real change together.
My Approach
I help children grow, and I help parents lead that growth with confidence.
My approach is personalized, practical, and rooted in evidence-based practices. Every child has unique strengths and needs, and every family deserves strategies that work in real life. I tailor each intervention to your child’s learning style, communication level, sensory profile, and behavioral goals.
Whether we are using social narratives to support behavior change, Response Interruption and Redirection (RIR) to navigate challenging moments, or reinforcement systems to encourage positive behaviors, everything is selected with your child’s success in mind.
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I also incorporate tools like visual supports for smoother transitions, Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI) to strengthen communication and social skills through everyday activities, and Discrete Trial Training (DTT) to break down and teach complex skills. I use Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) to build motivation and independence, and video modeling to provide clear, visual examples of targeted behaviors and routines.
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At the core of everything I do is the belief that parents are the most powerful and consistent influence in a child’s development. This is what I call the majority rule. While therapists offer valuable support, the real progress happens at home, during everyday moments like meals, play, and routines.
That is why I place a strong focus on parent training. I give you practical tools and evidence-based strategies that fit into your daily life. From managing sensory challenges to improving communication, I help you take the lead with confidence and clarity. These tools are designed to support progress that lasts long after sessions end.
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Together, we will build a flexible, effective toolkit that supports your child’s growth and strengthens your role as their most important guide. My goal is not just to help with today’s challenges, but to create a foundation for lifelong success.
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Because your child has incredible potential, and you have the power to help them reach it.